A few years ago, while I was still
working for this NGO, I have seen myself as speaker delivering a message for
one of the devotions for the staff and colleagues. I did not realize that this
would become a reality after Easter Sunday when I got invited to share the
miracle healing the Lord has done to me earlier this year that Monday. This has
become the platform God has planned for me to share His goodness and
faithfulness in the midst of pain and affliction. “Embracing the Pain: A Way to God’s Miracle” was the title of the
message that the Lord has impressed in my heart to share, which now has been
turned into a manuscript for a possible introductory book for me as a new
author. My mentor in writing suggested this and I thought it was a good idea
before publishing a “raw” story about my life journey in finding Christ. People
were amazed and blessed by the simple message I have imparted and my prayer is
that, if ever this will be published, readers would feel the same and be more
inspired to hold on to their pain.
What happened next was truly unexpected!
Someone like me, a novice in writing with only one published very short
article, has received an invitation to be one of the seven writers for this
book project intended for young men! It was a new opportunity for me to
showcase, not only my writing ability (if I really do have), but also my
experiences in seven different topics in life such as relationship, career,
leadership, finances, sex, relationship with God, and most importantly (at
least for me) my advocacy with HIV&AIDS under the topic of engaging the
world. Moreover, I took this new opportunity, not only as a privilege, but also
as a new confirmation to this new career in writing. I still can’t believe that
this is happening! My prayer is that…everything I would write and be published
will reach and touch many hearts in a different and unimaginable ways.
Still in connection with the
miraculous healing God has demonstrated, I got this invitation to preach to a
small church in Pasig. The pastor is a very good friend of mine and was truly blessed
and touched how the Lord has been and still working through my life. She
specifically asked me to share the story God has accomplished with my life.
Gratefully, God was praised not only for His goodness but also for the “good
looks” He has given me, which was endlessly admired by virtually all the
members hahaha! Very funny indeed!
My first CoH workshop for this year
happened, which has become one the memorable and funniest batch I have ever
handled! One thing to be noted is that, the director of the NGO that hosted the
event has participated and this has never happened before! HIV&AIDS is one
of his advocacies alongside with the LGBT.
Also I have conducted a workshop on
understanding SSA with this church in Mandaluyong and it was one of the most relaxed,
boldest, and honest sharing I have done in doing this work for the Lord. As I
reflected on the event that evening, I struggled with the thought that I might
have been too honest…this was the question about my last sexual fall, which I
have admitted that it happened last year. I refused to lie and answered it
carefully; from the very beginning I have been honest for I am not your typical
convert who never fails. I have been honest always with God and with the few
people I am accountable with. Still…all by the grace of God that I remained in
Him! Definitely not proud of my sins, but it is a reality and a part of my
journey with Jesus.
Finally, I was able to attend a
conference for Guidance Counselors in Cavite, which has earned us CPE points
for our license! More important than that was the reunion with my friends and
former classmates from the graduate school as well as the new learning we
acquired from the speakers. It was a good event!
Despite of these “busyness”, the
spiritual warfare (with my SSA and other issues) goes on. Please continue to
pray for me, in thoughts I often lost it and also in my heart, in action…hmmm
yeah sometimes I still do (self-releasing) as I have mentioned already. On the
other hand, these bring me to kneel down more, pray more, be discontented more
with these struggles, and cry out more…but I need prayers…so thanks a
lot…really appreciate it folks! God bless. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy, have
inner peace, and contented with the life God has given me. Everything is just a
part of this journey that helped me to grow and know God more…so till next time
dear. :)
